A Rare Gem, A Splendid Display

This little Ram’s Head lady’s-slipper is one of Nova Scotia’s rarest vascular plant species, sprinkled about Hants County in only a few locations. It deserves to be shown off. But there’s a problem. Plants stored for scientific study are two-dimensional, not to mention dead, and can make for pretty dull displays. Fortunately, the Nova Scotia Museum had model-maker David Coldwell on staff for years. With the help of some acetate, copper wire and a little magic, Coldwell was able to bring this rare orchid to life for our visitors.